Director Mohit Suri, known for his emotionally charged romantic films, has made candid remarks about Ahaan Panday, the debutant actor who stars in his recent film Saiyaara. Released on July 18, 2025, Saiyaara has become a box office sensation, starring Panday and Aneet Padda in lead roles. The film revolves around Krish Kapoor, a troubled musician, and Vaani Batra, a shy poet, and their developing connection.
In a recent interview with trade analyst Komal Nahta, Suri offered a peek into Panday's background before his entry into mainstream cinema. Suri revealed that Panday had created lighthearted, even "cringeworthy," videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. According to Times of India, Suri said, "The boy is a full 'c*i TikToker'". Suri also added that Panday is a "Gaiety Galaxy boy," but that side of him wasn't needed for the film. He had removed these clips before the film's release. Suri's comments suggest that Panday's persona is far more flamboyant than what audiences see on screen in Saiyaara.
Despite these earlier videos, Suri believes that Saiyaara only scratched the surface of Panday's capabilities. Suri recalled a moment during the shoot when Panday asked what about his audition made them cast him, indicating a humble curiosity about his selection. Suri believes that Panday's natural charisma, especially his ability to dance in a way that connects with mass audiences, gives him front-bencher appeal.
Suri praised both Panday and Padda for their unique attributes. While Panday impressed with his screen presence and dancing skills, Padda showed a surprising flair for comedy.
Saiyaara has exceeded expectations, collecting ₹266 crore at the domestic box office within just 12 days and crossing ₹400 crore globally. The film now ranks as the second-highest-grossing release of the year and is expected to surpass ₹500 crore worldwide. According to Hindustan Times, with their debut movie, Saiyaara, Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday have beaten the King of Romance. As per Sacnilk.com, the romantic drama beat the lifetime collection of Shah Rukh Khan's biggest romance movie, Chennai Express (2013).
Suri shared that Panday was originally set to debut in a different film, which was shelved after the pandemic, leaving him heartbroken. Despite the setback, Panday stuck with Yash Raj Films (YRF), and his debut Saiyaara has now become a massive box office success.
Film trade analyst Komal Nahta even called Saiyaara a "modern-day DDLJ," comparing it to the 1995 love story, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, a massive box office success considered one of the greatest romantic Bollywood films.
